FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

01-05-11 715AM

Calpine, a major U.S. power company that delivers nearly 29,000 megawatts of clean, cost-effective, reliable and fuel-efficient electricity to customers and communities in 21 states in the U.S. and Canada, is acting on Supervisor Federal Glover’s recent appeal for donations to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano during these tough economic times.

“Calpine, as a member of the East County community, is always generous when it comes to helping our residents,” said Glover. “Calpine is a prime example of a responsible business giving back to the community it serves.”

Glover pointed out that the energy producer, which operates a plant in Pittsburg, also pays for the supervisor’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Last year, the supervisor was able to give away 600 free turkeys through the courtesy of Calpine.

Calpine officials will hand over the $10,000 check to Glover today, Wednesday, Jan. 5, at 1 p.m. at the food bank headquarters in Concord, 4010 Nelson Ave.

In a newspaper op-ed last month, Glover wrote about the food drive and competition between Contra Costa and Solano county employees to raise funds for the food bank: “Our Food Bank has clearly seen the impact of the recession … Over 89,000 Contra Costa residents a month must now use the Food Bank – an increase of 63 percent in three years, and 28 percent of those being helped are children.”

Several years ago, Solano and Contra Costa counties entered into an annual competition called County Cares Food Fight, in which each county’s workers try to outdo each other by raising money for the food bank. The supervisor’s office and other departments also compete among themselves to see which office can raise the most funds.

“In the end, the competition benefits the food bank so they can continue to distribute groceries to the needy,” said Glover. “We’re grateful to Calpine for stepping up to the plate once again.”

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